Yuka Saso had six birdies in a 4-under par 67 to take a one-shot lead over Lee Jeongeun in the 2021 US Women’s Open, Saturday morning (Manila time) at the Lake Course of the Olympic Club in San Francisco, California.
Saso, 19, banked a long birdie in the final hole to finish at 6-par under 136 in 36 holes.
“I love playing golf and I’m just thankful that I’m here,” said Saso, who is making just her third Majors appearance.
Lee sliced the lead down to one shot with four of her five birdies, though. That came on the back nine for a 4-under 67 round two finish.
“First, if I go in the rough, my mindset is just to go for the fairway,” said Saso during the post-round press conference.
“I mean, it’s really long and, like, sticky, so yeah, it’s really hard to get on from it. I’m glad that I’m a little bit good out of it.”
Round 1 leader Megha Ganne had a par-71, dropping to third alongside Megan Khang.
The final half of the tournament takes place in the next two days.
